Danna

Prior was still sleeping and she went and sat on the window seat of the room they were in, wrapped in a blanket.

It felt strange, sex had always ended with her feeling an odd guilt and hurt, as though something awful had happened. Or at least, sex with Cole had, even when the act itself was fun and pleasurable. This was different. She glanced at the bed. He slept soundly, though he’d stirred and whined a bit when she’d left his arms, but hadn’t woken up.

She liked that. She liked the safety he felt to be that way, like he knew she wouldn’t leave him, and that she was free to if she wished. She’d been caged for so long.

She missed Tanner, and she hoped he was alright.

She thought of Carolina Dugarry. She didn’t know why she’d expected Prior’s friend to be different. She was warm and a little silly, but also, Danna saw her watching everything. She would clearly be an unshakable friend, or formidable enemy.

Prior’s uncle had beaten him. Savagely, if those scars were any indication, and he come out kind and good and true. But his decision to help her so unconditionally made more sense now. She stirred feeling him come behind her and snuggle her and kiss her neck.

“Couldn’t sleep?” He asked.

“No,” she mumbled. “Prior,” she said, “what will happen to us in Dovetail?”

“I don’t know,” he said softly, “The Rangers will need a new mission, which will take some time to figure out, and I want to spend some time with my cousin and his husband.” She nodded. “And I want them to get to know you.” She smiled. “But I know your fate is also ties to Seshi’s.”

“Seshi has wanted to bring me to Cammadan for a long time,” she said, “he will abide but whatever I decide.” He kissed her hair. “Lady Carolina’s husband is your friend?”

“Yes,” he laughed, “Tristan is my friend. He’s a lot of other things to, but he is that.” She exhaled and leaned against him.

“And the Queen?” She asked.

“Annalise is happy, and she wants me to be,” he said. “You don’t have to worry about her, she isn’t like that.” She nodded. She doubted it. She wasn’t afraid of the queen but she was ready to navigate jealousy, even it if was her own. “I’m looking forward to you seeing the city.”

“Will it be like that keep?” She asked. He shook his head.

“No,” he said, “more formal, for one thing, and closer quarters.” She nodded. “But there’s a stall in the market, on the river, where the merchant only sells the most beautiful scents.”

“Perfume?” She asked.

“Some,” he nodded, “and some just, scents, it’s magic, newer, or well, older, actually.” She laughed. “The University students are always arguing anywhere you go, just shouting at each other about what they think will work or not,” he kissed her neck. “And the palace is full of laughter and life. Annalise built her court young and lively, like her. It’s really special.”

She leaned back into him. He made it sound wonderful.

And she was still terrified.